Does anybody here take the Greens seriously?

[First Aspect]

Given the relatively small number of people in the first category (6 figure salary) and the relatively large number of people in the second category (minimum wage), I would need to know the cost of withholding the allowance, if I were making a sensible decision, despite the apparent logic of withholding the allowance. I would also probably consider alternative means of "clawing it back" the allowance via existing mechanisms (for example income tax or NI), and the cost implications.

Probably explains why I would never have made a Government Minister or Senior Civil Servant.

You are supposing that's the only other alternative. All or nothing.

Labour seems to have managed to get help for heating oil to not absolutely everyone who uses it.

 

[BoldonLad]

You are supposing that's the only other alternative. All or nothing.

Labour seems to have managed to get help for heating oil to not absolutely everyone who uses it.

Well, I was replying to the question as posed. However, I don't see why my answer implies "all or nothing"?

Perhaps "temporary" subsidies are seldom a sound idea?

 

[briantrumpet]

Well, I was replying to the question as posed. Perhaps "temporary" subsidies are seldom a sound idea?

I know Dan Neidle bores the pants off some people, but his research suggests that 80% of VAT reductions go straight into company coffers via higher margins, despite the (well-meaning) intention that they help those who are struggling with high costs. Powerful businesses are well practised in getting their hands on extra cash pumped into the market, supposedly to 'help the consumer'.

As I say, market suppression, in a time of shortage, is the more economically and strategically sensible tactic.

 

[BoldonLad]

I know Dan Neidle bores the pants off some people, but his research suggests that 80% of VAT reductions go straight into company coffers via higher margins, despite the (well-meaning) intention that they help those who are struggling with high costs. Powerful businesses are well practised in getting their hands on extra cash pumped into the market, supposedly to 'help the consumer'.

As I say, market suppression, in a time of shortage, is the more economically and strategically sensible tactic.

That may be true, but, I am surprised at your good self advocating "market forces" 😂

I realise it is anecdotal, but, I have not noticed any reduction in traffic volumes since fthe uel price hike. It would be interesting to know if there are any reliable figures for petrol/diesel usage to indicate one way or the other.

 

[briantrumpet]

That may be true, but, I am surprised at your good self advocating "market forces" 😂

I realise it is anecdotal, but, I have not noticed any reduction in traffic volumes since fthe uel price hike. It would be interesting to know if there are any reliable figures for petrol/diesel usage to indicate one way or the other.

Driving seems to be one of the most resistant markets to influence by price, but I think that's indicative of societal conditioning that has partially detached driving from normal rational decisions, whereby drivers might moan about the cost of driving but won't even consider alternatives, and pay whatever the market & governments throw at them.

 

[briantrumpet]

Driving seems to be one of the most resistant markets to influence by price, but I think that's indicative of societal conditioning that has partially detached driving from normal rational decisions, whereby drivers might moan about the cost of driving but won't even consider alternatives, and pay whatever the market & governments throw at them.

Sorry, that's a long-winded way of saying that drivers are a bit nuts.

 

[AuroraSaab]

I think when you're young, because you don't mind a bit of hassle, and conversely when you're old and find driving a hassle, the bus/train option is quite attractive. Otherwise it's really hard to deter/encourage people away from their cars. We have exceptionally high parking charges round here but most people just seem to view it as an inevitable part of a day out, like buying a coffee or something.

 

[BoldonLad]

Sorry, that's a long-winded way of saying that drivers are a bit nuts.

Aren’t we all (or at least mostly) drivers? 😂 but, in our case, it is only temporary insanity, when we are not riding our bicycles.

 

[All uphill]

Aren’t we all (or at least mostly) drivers? 😂 but, in our case, it is only temporary insanity, when we are not riding our bicycles.

On our street I've long been the odd chap who cycles everywhere.

A couple of people recently have asked me about commuting by bike during the summer, which hasn't happened before. Neither of these people are be yet ready to contemplate selling their car, or one of their cars.

 

[BoldonLad]

On our street I've long been the odd chap who cycles everywhere.

A couple of people recently have asked me about commuting by bike during the summer, which hasn't happened before. Neither of these people are be yet ready to contemplate selling their car, or one of their cars.

I have long thought there was something odd about you, now I know, you are totally sane 😂

 

[All uphill]

I have long thought there was something odd about you, now I know, you are totally sane 😂

That's the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me